What a great group of women and girls attended and there were two mother/daughter pairs present.

We learned a lot about each person’s animal totems and each person painted something that represented either an aspect of their personality OR some personal trait they wanted to develop. I LOVED seeing what everyone came up with! Gorgeous works of art!

The June Women’s Creativity Circle had a theme of “Whimsical Flowers”. We had a great time painting together and I loved seeing everyone’s bright and beautiful pieces! The pics represent a few of the works in progress!

A few months ago, I decided to start an organization with several goals in mind:

I want to bring women together to spend time creating art, learning new skills and offer opportunities for creative expression, as well as discussion.

I want the sessions to be no cost/low cost so that people can participate without lack of money being a barrier.

I want to support women who want to start similar organizations/creativity circles in their own areas…i.e. I want to provide resources, ideas and coaching/support for others who are willing to lead groups.

So…I’m hoping I can start this circle and grow the organization and help to create other Women’s Creativity Circles around the world. Big dream? Yep…

The initial logo I chose for the group:

The first meeting was a lot of fun and a success, although I must admit, finding and teaching projects that can be done in a 2-hour window of time is a challenge!

Had a great time, planning and teaching a new workshop, “Discovering Your Animal Totem” with fellow Color of Woman teachers, Sofia Dabalsa of San Antonio, TX and Sumaiyah Dymonz Yates of Baltimore, MD. We were joined by another Color of Woman grad and talented artist, Cindy Taylor Clark of Maine. We had a great time spending a few days together and enjoying the sights (and seafood, of course) of Baltimore.

The workshop was held in Sumaiyah’s Gallery, Soulful Emergence, located in downtown Baltimore. We made talking sticks, painted drums and were surrounded by images of animals…loved it! Looking forward to bringing this workshop to State College.

Prints of some of my animal totem paintings are available on my Fine Art America Page or you can contact me for direct purchase.

I recently had the privilege of supporting the Art for Rwanda benefit event, held at the Park Forest UMC Church. The day offered many items for sale, donated by local artists, as well as many hand-crafted items, like baskets, ornaments and aprons, made by the women and children of Rwanda. There were many wonderful displays featuring information about Rwanda, their culture, the country and we were treated to dancing performances by some talented Rwandan dancers. Coordinator, Carol Falke, and all the volunteers did an amazing job!

Proceeds from the sale went to a fund to build a 3rd grade classroom in Rwanda. The event was well-attended and I had a great time helping with set-up and working the art sales room with other volunteers.

I submitted a “page” for artist and author, Sofia Dabalsa’s 2nd annual Goddess Chronicles Book Project, benefiting the girls from Girls, Inc. This year’s theme was “Your Voice Matters” and I was happy to both sponsor this worthy project and contribute a piece for this beautiful book!

Sofia explained, “The theme of this art journal is Goddess Chronicles: Your Voice Matters” and the book will inspire young and old; girls and women with messages from the heart to use their powerful voice in the world. This book will help empower young girls, enhance their self-esteem and support their growth as young leaders. The original submissions will be assembled into a handmade book will be donated to empower young girls at Pearl-Girls, an organization in Dallas, Texas that is dedicated to uplifting, educating, and motivating young women and girls! My hope is that each time a young girl sits to view The Goddess Chronicles: YOUR VOICE MATTERS! it will inspire her to find the strength in her voice.”

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the Goddess Chronicles, please visit www.sofiadabalsa.com.

I held another Color of Woman Workshop entitled, “Lighting Your Sacred Spark”. I offered discounts to previous students AND to mother/daughter pairs, and in fact, we ended up with several mothers and daughters painting together.

One of the highlights of the day was that my 7th art teacher and her wonderful daughter came to the workshop. I hadn’t seen them in many, many years and it was a delightful reunion.

My photographer (my daughter) was having labor pains, so we didn’t take a lot of pictures this time around!

I had the privilege of being asked to be the guest presenter at the monthly meeting of Centre Region’s “We Are Enough” women’s group.

Facilitators, Sue and Kristin set up a beautiful centerpiece and created a great environment for discussion.

I led the group through the process of creating “Alchemical Affirmation Cards” and discussed the process of using art and creative expression for healing and transformation. The women created some meaningful cards, which they plan to carry in their purses; place on their altars, desks or bedside tables.